Golden Gate Park Golf Course is a walk-only nine-hole par-3 with a 90-minute pace target and two booking windows.
Golden Gate Park Golf Course is a public, walk-only nine-hole par-3 on the western side of the park. Book online before going: the course’s tee-time page says reservations are required and walk-on play is very limited.
Is this the right course for your round?
Choose it when you want a short round, are introducing someone to golf or want to practice full par-3 shots rather than play 18 holes. Its two sets of tees measure 931 and 1,177 yards, and individual holes run from 72 to 158 yards on the official scorecard.
The scorecard sets a pace of 10 minutes per hole, so the target is about 90 minutes for nine holes. Keep up with the group ahead, repair ball marks, replace divots and do not play extra balls.
This is also a walk-only facility. There are no riding carts; pull carts cost $12. Non-playing companions generally cannot walk along, although a junior may have one adult chaperone after payment of a spectator fee. These restrictions are listed in the course’s official FAQ.
How much does Golden Gate Park Golf Course cost?
The course displayed these nine-hole rates when checked September 22, 2026:
| Player | Monday–Thursday | Friday–Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| Standard, without an SF Resident Golf Card | $45 | $55 |
| Junior, under 17 | $16 | $19 |
| SF Resident Golf Card holder | $28 | $31 |
| Senior resident card holder, age 65+ | $23 | Confirm with course |
Friday counts as a weekend day. The course’s current rate page marks the senior weekend rate N/A, while the city’s course page lists it as $30. Confirm that rate with the course before booking.
A valid SF Resident Golf Card is required for the resident rate; living in San Francisco by itself is not enough. As of July 1, 2026, the card costs $139 and is valid for two years. The city accepts online applications but warns that processing may take several weeks; it also offers limited in-person service at TPC Harding Park. Review the documentation and application options on the SF Recreation and Parks resident-card page.
For a non-senior golfer using only the displayed Golden Gate Park rates, the $139 card costs less than the accumulated discounts after nine weekday rounds or six Friday-through-Sunday rounds. That calculation excludes any savings at other eligible city courses.
When can you book a tee time?
There are two booking windows:
- Up to seven days ahead: no booking fee.
- Eight to 30 days ahead: $10 per player, charged when you reserve and non-refundable.
The green fee itself is paid at check-in. Use the course’s official tee-time page, not a third-party course listing.
Cancel or reduce the group at least 24 hours before the tee time. Inside that window, the course may charge the card on file the standard green fee for each affected player—even if that golfer would have qualified for a resident rate. The same standard-rate charge applies to no-shows. You can make changes through your EZLinks account or call the pro shop at 415-751-8987; weather may change how the policy is applied.
What should you bring?
Every player needs a separate set of clubs, bag and putter; sharing equipment is prohibited. The rate page lists rental sets at $25 on a first-come, first-served basis, so call before relying on one.
The driving cage and practice areas do not come with the green fee. The rate page lists a small bucket at $7 and a large bucket at $12. Check with clubhouse staff before using the chipping or putting area.
Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early. San Francisco’s municipal golf rules require reserved players to check in with the starter by then, and all rounds must start from the first tee unless the starter directs otherwise. The course is near the Pacific, with rolling ground and ocean breezes noted in the city’s course description, so bring a layer and select clubs for the actual wind rather than the scorecard yardage alone.